My Teaching Philosophy

I truly believe that ANYONE can draw and paint.  I teach my students this everyday.  This belief is essential for artistic success.  You MUST buy into the idea that the only thing that limits you from creating incredible artwork is- well, you.

What I'm about to tell you may shock you, so I hope you're sitting down.  There is NO such thing as talent.  That's right, I said it.  I'll say it again.  THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TALENT.  It is a lie that we have all bought into.  Let that sink in for a moment.  If you have been labeled as "talented", as I have been, this may cause some issue with you- but don't let it- hear me out.

Think back to when you were younger.  What was your most favorite activity when you were in, let's say- Kindergarten.  I'll bet it was drawing or coloring.  You used to color and draw for fun!  There was no pressure because you knew you were good at it.  What happens to the kid that may "stay in the lines"? (Which is highly overrated.)  That kid's teacher says, "Johnny is soooooo talented, why- he must have some artistic talent!"  So what does Johnny do?  Well, he draws more.  And what happens when he draws more? That's right-he gets better.  Then more people label him as talented and he draws even more.  And he gets better and better and better.  Take Cindy for example.  She sat next to Johnny and didn't color inside of the lines.  She sees Johnny get praise for his "talent", and she feels that she doesn't have it.  So she becomes interested in other things and ditches art.  After all, she wasn't born with talent.  Guess what- nobody is!

Talent doesn't come from magical unicorns that live on the other side of the rainbow.  It comes from hard work and most of all DESIRE.  Let's look at musicians-they are considered "talented"-right?  Well someone had to teach them how to play their instrument, then it was up to them to PRACTICE!  You aren't born being able to play a harp!  You must learn-then practice.  THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TALENT!  You CAN draw, but only if you desire to.

Like This?
If so, join over 36,000 others that receive our newsletter with new drawing and painting lessons. Plus, check out three of our course videos and ebooks for free.